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03 March 2021
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Story Giselle Baillie
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Photo Supplied
_web.jpg?sfvrsn=987e6620_1 "NJ van Merwe Read More (1)_web")
Residence members who led the project, included:
Bohlokwa Rantja, the Residence Prime, and Transformation Committee members Nsuku Mutemela, Ofentse Motlakeng, Phindile Tjale, Madinku Mabala, Mmapopi Motshoso, Karabo Shuping, and Tagane Sekete.
The University of the Free State (UFS) Council approved and adopted Lehakwe House as the new name for the
NJ van der Merwe residence on the Bloemfontein Campus. The approval on 26 November 2020 followed a lengthy process of deliberation, consultation, and public engagement that has taken place since November 2019 and is aligned with the UFS Policy on Naming and Renaming. The name-change process was initiated by the Prime and Transformation Committee of the residence, guided by the
Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice and supported by a multi-stakeholder committee representative of the residence, the Housing and Residence Affairs Office, the Department of Student Affairs, the Student Representative Council, and alumni.
Lehakwe – a precious gem
Following a lengthy evaluation process of the names submitted through a public voting and recommendation platform in July 2020, ‘Lehakwe’ – a Sesotho word referring to a ‘precious gem’ – emerged as the front runner. As many current and past members of the residence attest, this womxn’s residence has come to occupy a significant space within the hearts and minds of UFS students and the UFS community, given that its spirit has always been closely aligned with the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and freedom and with the human values of ubuntu. In this vein, the new name of ‘Lehakwe’ presents a consolidation of constitutional and university values into the day-to-day thinking, learning, living, and legacy spaces of students, as well as everyone who interacts and engages with the UFS.
2015 Open Day on Bloemfontein Campus inspires prospective students
2015-05-14
Photo: Charl Devenish |
“Here we use our minds and not muscles. We use reason and not rage.”
This is how Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), described what being a Kovsie is.
Prof Jansen welcomed thousands of prospective students and their parents to the Bloemfontein Campus on Saturday 9 May 2015 for the annual Open Day.
“Academics are everything. We don’t expect you to do well. We expect you to excel,” he said.
Prospective students got a taste of the #KovsieFeeling with a mind-dazzling laser show, a surprise performance by Micasa, the introduction of our sports champions, and an inspiring message from our SRC President, Mosa Leteane.
“When you are comfortable, you are not challenged. You can only learn to grow when you are uncomfortable.”
Visitors also had first-hand experience of how accessible Prof Jansen really is. At the Talk to Me gazebo outside his office, Prof Jansen dished up food while having a chat with parents. This gesture echoed Prof Jansen’s message: “If you want to be a decent human being, welcome to Kovsies.”
To all its visitors, the 2015 Kovsie Open Day, with all its fun and laughter, reflected the truth of the UFS as an academic institution that inspires excellence and transforms lives.
Even if you missed the Kovsie Open Day, be sure to grab the chance to study at our university, and ensure a lifetime of excellence and innovation. You can visit our Prospective Student webpage for more information.